We don't often think of laughter when we think of health, but laughter has profound effects on our physical and mental well-being. Laughter is a powerful tool that can boost our immune system, reduce stress, and even alleviate pain. Laughter exists cross-culturally, across the lifespan, and has even been documented in apes and rats. In this article, we'll explore the science behind laughter's healing properties and discuss the whys and the ways to bring more laughter into your daily life.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and weakened immunity are common concerns during the Pacific Northwest winter. Multnomah County states that one in five Oregonians report symptoms of SAD, such as fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and excessive sleepiness. A weakened immune system can make individuals more susceptible to colds, the flu, and other illnesses. Fortunately, holistic approaches like massage, acupuncture, and self-care can significantly improve SAD symptoms and help stregnthen our immunity.
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is a magical time of year, which brings an opportunity to dry out and get some much-needed sunshine. Summertime means picnics, concerts and movies in the parks, working in the garden, playing on the beach, and other activities that all have one thing in common: getting up and down from the ground.
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow doesn't exclusively affect tennis players. Anyone who performs repetitive gripping or wrist-bending motions is at risk. This includes artists, craftspeople, clerks, and anyone who frequently sits at a computer.
Sleep is vital to our good health. "Sleep hygiene", the practice of protecting one's sleep through healthy habits and routines, has become a buzz term that reflects the stress and anxiety of modern life, and the growing awareness of how they can negatively impact our precious sleep. Two of the biggest sleep disorders, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are discussed in this article, along with a natural and effective solution that is available in our clinic: acupuncture.
From ancient Roman baths to Oregon's present-day hot springs, water's healing properties have been recognized for centuries. Today, research continues to verify hydrotherapy's ability to soothe, invigorate, and promote healing. In this article, we'll delve into the science behind hydrotherapy and explore how it's used for pain management and overall well-being.
Hip and knee replacements can be life-changing surgeries, offering a return to pain-free movement. While surgery itself is a major undertaking, a successful recovery is equally important. This article will explore the initial phases of recovery and beyond, focusing on movement, pain management, and lifestyle factors to help you adjust to life with your new joint.
The lymphatic system is the drainage system for your body, constantly filtering out waste products, cellular debris, excess fluid, and pathogens. The lymphatic system is made of a complex network of vessels and lymph nodes which, alongside your circulatory system, plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy internal environment. When the lymphatic system functions optimally, your immune system is strong, inflammation is reduced, and you experience a general sense of well-being.
Sports are a great way to keep kids active and healthy, but playing sports is not without risks. In addition to learning about teamwork, developing strong muscles and a love for physical activity, kids can be at risk for everything from mild dehydration to serious injuries. As parents and caregivers, there is a lot we can do to help create a safe and healthy environment for young athletes to do what they do best: play.
It's almost summer, and for many of us that means a vacation is on the horizon. Long hours sitting on planes, trains, or cars, combined with unfamiliar sleeping arrangements can wreak havoc on your neck, and your fun. With a few simple strategies and some planning, you can optimize your chances for pain-free adventures.
Your posture—how you hold your body—isn't just about physical appearance. When you slump in a chair or stand up straight, the body sends signals to your brain that can significantly impact your emotional state, confidence levels, and happiness. Studies show that by consciously improving your posture, you can trigger positive changes in your physical and mental well-being.
Oh noooo! For some reason, each of us has a head that weighs about 11 pounds. Apparently that's the trade-off we make for our big, beautiful brains. Luckily, the neck and spine are designed to support this weight, as long as it's well-balanced. The problems start when we tilt our heads forward, like when we're on our phones. Which is, on average, three hours a day. Yikes!
What allows us to balance on a bicycle without having ridden for years? Do our muscles remember? Well yes and no. When we’re learning how to do something for the first time, it takes conscious effort. But after we’ve got it down, it’s stored in our procedural memory bank, located in our trusty cerebellum.
As we pass the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, we reflect on all the changes this last 13 months has thrown our way. As chiropractors, we are seeing changes as well. Those changes come in the issues our patients are experiencing. In this blog, I want to share with you the musculoskeletal issues that arise from work from home and how Parkside Clinic is Southeast Portland is your chiropractor of choice.
